Page:Out-door Games Cricket and Golf (1901).djvu/145

114 in another chapter; but here all that has to be considered is how can the rule be profitably altered.

The consideration of this must include the question of declaring an innings at an end, which up to quite recently could not be done before the last day of a match. One of our leading cricketers, Mr. F. S. Jackson, suggests that this power of declaring ought to be extended and given to either side after luncheon on the second day; and many others have taken this view, and have even extended it, and urged that the closure may be put in force at any time. The M.C.C. have, however, altered the rule to this extent that an innings can be declared at an end at luncheon on the second day.

My own personal opinion on this question is, that the whole matter is trifling: and whichever rule you make, you will find that very little effect on the high scoring will ensue. To be able to declare an innings at an end at any time would answer the purpose completely if it were a settled principle that captains would run risks. You would not stop individual high scoring, but you would greatly diminish the